He had hoped to take over the Cubs managerial job but Chicago stuck with interim manager Mike Quade. Sandberg was looking for a major-league opening but instead chose the Phillies' minor-league vacancy.

In 2010, he managed at triple-A Iowa and was named the manager of the year in the Pacific Coast League.

"I really liked the way his team played," a National League scout said. "I liked the way they ran the bases."

Sandberg started his managerial career in 2007 with the Cubs' single-A Peoria Chiefs of the Midwest League. After two seasons with Peoria, he was promoted to double-A Tennessee of the Southern League.

The Phillies said in a statement they will announce the remainder of their player development staff at a later date.

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